It's every parent's worst nightmare to find out that their child has cancer, but this was the reality for Jennifer Da Costa three years ago.

Michelle Carvalho, now eight, was first diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma in both her kidneys. She was given the all-clear shortly after her treatment started, but has since relapsed twice and is now battling leukaemia.

Having undergone chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, they are now attempting to raise £500,000 for potentially life-saving immunotherapy in the USA.

"It's been quite hard, especially when the first time round I said to Michelle 'that's it, we've done it', and then she said 'Mummy you've lied to me, because it's come back. So now there's no promises, I don't say we've beaten it", said Jennifer.

The family have already arranged several fundraising events and have had over £5,000 pledged on their Just Giving page, but Jennifer knows that more is urgently needed.

"Time is not with us, it's actually against us. We know that it's coming up to five and a half months now since she relapsed, so it's a tricky stage and it could come back at any point - we just don't know.

"For us it's a lot of money, but there are some people out there who do have it.

"I could save her life with that money. I know I can".

More events are being organised in the next few weeks, with a fresh fundraising push online also planned.

Visit here to donate, or search for the "This is Michelle" page on Facebook for updates about fundraising events.